Note: we are republishing this story, which originally made the news in September 2013.
Richard Thomas, 27, was sentenced to five years and four months in prison for raping a sleeping woman in her home. Upon arrest, Thomas learned the victim was HIV-positive, prompting fears he might have contracted the virus. He reportedly collapsed when informed, according to the BBC.
Thomas admitted to heavily drinking and using cocaine and ecstasy on the night of the assault, saying he could not recall much but believed the woman’s account. Prosecutor Harry Pepper stated Thomas entered the victim’s home uninvited, went to her bedroom, and raped her as she slept. The woman, who had taken a sleeping tablet, awoke during the assault but froze in fear. Thomas left immediately afterward.
Thomas’s lawyer, Virginia Hayton, described him as remorseful and troubled by his actions. He reportedly told her, “If she says I’ve done it, I’ve done it.” Though Thomas had prior convictions, this was his first for sexual assault. Judge Mark Brown added Thomas to the Sex Offenders Register permanently.
Thomas has a history of substance abuse dating back to childhood. Awaiting his HIV test results, Hayton remarked, “This is his own fault. He placed himself in this position.”
